Conor McGregor, the former two-division UFC champion, has begun to outline his return to the Octagon, eyeing a potential comeback in 2025. After a frustrating injury sidelined him from his anticipated bout against Michael Chandler this past June, McGregor is eager to re-establish himself in the highly competitive UFC landscape. Nearly four years have passed since his last appearance, and the Irishman is ready to reclaim his spot in the spotlight, sparking curiosity among fans and analysts alike.
While Michael Chandler is currently preparing for a rematch against Charles Oliveira at UFC 309 in November, McGregor has made it clear that his sights are firmly set on Chandler. “We’re looking for the date,” McGregor conveyed in a recent conversation with The Schmo, indicating that tension between the two fighters remains unresolved. The competitive fire between them ensures that a bout would not only attract significant fan interest but might also serve to settle old scores that have simmered beneath the surface.
Beyond Chandler, McGregor is particularly motivated to settle rivalries with other notable figures in MMA, specifically Nate Diaz and Dustin Poirier. Reflecting on these matchups, McGregor stated, “Both of them. Both. It’s a must, for sure.” With each of these fighters boasting a rich history with McGregor—both rivalries currently stand at one win, one loss, and one no contest regarding Poirier—each matchup represents not just another fight but a chance for McGregor to rewrite the narrative. Given the stakes involved, it is understandable that these rivalries are high on his agenda.
McGregor’s last outing, a trilogy fight against Poirier in 2021, ended in heartbreak for the Irishman, as he suffered a severe leg injury that has kept him out of action ever since. A comeback has been delayed, which adds pressure for McGregor to perform at a high level upon his return. Furthermore, his historical rivalry with Diaz is also something McGregor may wish to revisit; Diaz executed an impressive submission victory over McGregor in 2016, only for McGregor to narrowly win the rematch later that year. The aspect of redemption can’t be understated here, as McGregor is not only focused on winning but also on reclaiming the respect and prominence he once held in the sport.
As McGregor looks to return, he faces a unique set of circumstances in relation to his potential opponents. Poirier, fresh off a loss at the hands of lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, is contemplating his own future fight paths. Meanwhile, Diaz, who transitioned to boxing to face high-profile opponents like Jake Paul, has fueled speculation regarding a potential return to the UFC, a move that could reignite their longstanding rivalry. With both fighters at critical junctures in their careers, the potential for high-stakes matchups looms large.
Overall, McGregor’s aspirations for a 2025 return are laden with intrigue and possibilities. As he aims to settle unfinished business with Chandler, Diaz, and Poirier, the landscape of the UFC may shift dramatically. The anticipation of these matchups is palpable, re-igniting the electric atmosphere that McGregor has often brought to the sport. Fans eagerly await what promises to be a highly compelling chapter in McGregor’s career as he endeavors to confront old foes and reclaim his status as a dominant force in the UFC.
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